Sligo can test Galway

Galway are odds-on to end their dire run against Sligo as the pair clash in the Connacht football quarter-final at Markievicz Park on Saturday evening, live on Sky Sports 3.

Adrian Marren: Sligo corner forward is back from injury

Online bookmaker Sky Bet go 2/5 on the Tribesmen in the match result market, despite Galway failing to beat Sligo in four of the past five championship seasons, albeit under different management.

The Yeats County are given odds of 12/5 to upset again, while a draw is 8/1, and it would be no surprise to see Sligo really take it to Galway, particularly as they have Adrian Marren back from injury.

The corner forward scored 2-6 when Sligo beat Galway to a place in the Connacht final in 2012, and with him on the field the 9/4 on the underdogs to open the score with a point from play looks well worth an investment.

Galway give up just two points on the handicap market, with Sligo +2 available at the same price of evens (1/1), but it’s a market that fails to scream value and is therefore best avoided.

Elsewhere on Saturday evening, Cork are 1/25 to beat Tipperary for a place in the Munster Football Championship final and, although a return on your money is pretty much guaranteed, there’s little value at those odds.

It’s the first time the sides have met in seven years but Tipperary’s woeful record against the Rebels stretches back way beyond that, having failed to beat them in the football championship in over 70 years.

And they’re not about to end that hoodoo - the best they can hope for is a result in the handicap market with Tipperary +10 available at 10/11, though the smarter money is on Brian Cuthbert’s side with -10 at the same price.

Sticking with football, Ulster Championship favourites Donegal (10/11) should have no problem booking their place in the final to play Armagh (15/2) or Monaghan (5/4), most likely the latter.

Jim McGuinness’ men should make light work of Antrim, who are 16/1 outsiders to win the Ulster title, and they won’t bust any accumulators this Sunday at 1/10 in the match result market.

Meanwhile, Kilkenny's hurlers are back in action on Sunday and they’re expected to set up a July date with Dublin in the Leinster final, with opponents Galway the 7/2 outsiders of the three teams remaining.

Both Kilkenny and Galway are in supposed transitional periods, but there was little evidence of that when the Cats dismantled Offaly in the quarter-final two weeks ago, racking up an impressive tally of 5-32.

This one has the potential to go right to the wire, making the draw worth a small stake at 15/2, though for a heavier investment or a multiple selection, side with Kilkenny to win at 4/11.